Gov. Deal backs medical marijuana trials

ATLANTA (AP)Gov. Nathan Deal says the state and Georgia Regents University will work to help children with seizure disorders get access to a form of medical marijuana.

Deal announced two separate efforts on Thursday to pursue clinical trials on cannabis oil to help Georgia children who suffer from seizure disorders. Deal says neither option will mean quick relief, but could push federal officials toward faster approval of the trials.

Georgia and Alabama are among 11 states where lawmakers considered limited medical marijuana programs this year. Georgia lawmakers ultimately failed to pass a bill, despite pressure from families of children suffering from seizures.

There is little scientific research on cannabis oil. Proponents say the product, available legally in Colorado, has helped children there.